Heating
Tips
Windows
and Doors
- Repair
broken or cracked glass and putty older
windows; check to see that windows close
properly and window locks pull sashes
together.
-
Make
sure doors close properly; repair or
replace non-working doorknobs, latches
and striker plates.
-
Weatherstrip
windows, doors and attic accesses; caulk
the frames around windows and doors
from the inside using a clear, pliable
caulk.
Other
Air Leaks
- If
you have a fireplace, be sure it is
fitted with a tight sealing damper that
is closed when the fireplace is not
in use. If the fireplace is used infrequently,
use a chimney block to eliminate heat
loss.
Lights
and Hot Water
- Replace
incandescent light bulbs with energy
efficient fluorescent lights. Over its
lifetime, a fluorescent bulb will save
$30 - $50. Look for rebates from utilities
to save you even more. Today's new compact
fluorescent bulbs perform even better
than the models of a few years ago.
-
Install
low flow showerheads and faucet aerators
to save energy and water.
-
Reduce
your hot water heater temperature to
120°F.
-
Repair
leaking hot water faucets, tanks and
pipes.
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Other
Energy Tips
In
addition, the following improvements can
save more money on heating bills, although
they generally require a greater up-front
investment of time or money. Contact your
gas or electric utility to find any rebates
or other assistance that they may offer
for such measures.
- Install
automatic setback thermostats that adjust
the heat to your schedule.
-
Insulate
attics (especially attics with less
than seven inches of insulation), walls,
and flooring over unheated crawl spaces
or basements.
-
Install
exterior storm windows, including cellar
storm windows. For windows that are
rarely opened, consider installing interior
storm windows.
-
If
you plan to replace your present oil
or gas heating system, select a high
efficiency unit with an Annual Fuel
Use Efficiency Rating (AFUE) of at least
82 percent. Make sure the heating system
is properly "sized" for your home; many
systems are too large for the space
being heated the result is a considerable
waste of dollars.
-
Replace
standard curtains with tight sealing,
insulated or quilted window coverings.
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